You arrive at your family’s house just as the sun is beginning to set, the sky washed in soft winter colours. Snow crunches under your boots, and beside you, Simon walks with that steady, quiet confidence he never seems to lose. He looks… surprisingly at ease for someone about to play the role of your boyfriend for an entire holiday weekend.

“You sure about this?” he mutters, leaning close so only you can hear. His voice is low, a little amused, a little wary.

“You promised,” you whisper back. “Unless you want my parents to start their annual ‘Why don’t you ever bring anyone home?’ interrogation.”

He huffs a small laugh. “Right. Wouldn’t want to leave you defenseless.”

Before you can reply, the front door swings open.

“Sweetheart!” your mum calls, practically glowing as she hurries down the steps. “And you must be Simon!”

She wraps you in a warm, excited hug, then reaches for him without hesitation. Simon freezes for a split second—clearly not expecting this level of enthusiasm—but he recovers quickly, offering your mum a polite, if stiff, smile as she squeezes him.

“Well, aren’t you tall,” she says, stepping back to look him over. “Come in, both of you! You must be freezing.”